jesus provides for our needs • lesson 12 bible...

Jesus Provides for Our Needs • Lesson 12

Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

Bible Verse“The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1a).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren will n hear how a good shepherd takes care of his sheep,

n talk about the difference between things they want and things they need,

n name things they need, andn ask God to give them what they need.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn Jesus provides for our needs.

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar and most treasured Bible passages. You probably can recall a few songs using Psalm 23 as a basis for the lyrics, and it’s likely you’ve heard this psalm many times in different settings. It’s a great psalm of comfort and blessing!

The book of Psalms was originally a book of hymns that the Jewish people used to praise and worship God. David, the shepherd and king, wrote this particular psalm, which may have been used in a praise celebration at the tabernacle, the “house of the Lord.” (See Psalm 23:6).

Just think of lying down in cool green grass on a hot summer day and sipping a tall glass of iced tea—how refreshing! That’s the image painted in the first two verses of this psalm. But it gets even better! The Lord, our shepherd, guides us, protects us from evil, comforts us, feeds us, and promises us an abundant life of love! The good shepherd—always looking out for his own, always providing for their needs. That’s who Jesus is.

Prayer• Read Psalm 80:1-3.• In what ways do you need to turn to God?• In what way does Psalm 23 offer the restoration you need?• Pray: Lord, help me to relax in you and put aside the things that are stressing

me, like…

Psalm 23

Bible Point

167Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

This Lesson at a GlanceWhat Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

WelcomeTime

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Sheep Name Tags” (p. 153), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape

Let’s GetStarted

Direct children to one or more of the

optional activities until everyone

arrives.

Option 1: Shepherds and Sheep—Take sheep from their “sheepfold” to the “pasture.”

Option 2: God Gives Us Food—Prepare a snack, and talk about the food we need.

Paper plates, plastic knives, bread, cheese slices, tray, pitcher of water, cups, baby wipes, plastic wrap

Option 3: Make a Sheep—Make a hungry-looking sheep for a game later in the lesson.

Poster board, marker, scissors, newsprint, glue sticks, fiberfill, black construction paper

Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as they pick up toys and gather for Bible Story Time.

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Give and receive hugs.

Stop-and-go sign from Lesson 1

Bible Song and Prayer Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Bible, CD player

Hear and Tell the Bible Story—Hear a story about a shepherd and his sheep, and sing “I’ll Follow Jesus.”

Bible, CD player, crayons

Do the Bible Story—Feed a hungry sheep.

Cardboard sheep’s head from Option 3, beanbags or small balls

Closing An “I Want” Lesson—Teach Whiskers the difference between things we need and things we want.

Time to Pray—Pray for special needs, and then eat a snack.

Snack from Option 2, bananas, plates, napkins, plastic knives, baby wipes

Before the Lessonn Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab

Supplies listed on the chart.n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children.n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction as you teach the lesson.

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4168

Lesson 12

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Welcome TimeSUPPLIES: “Sheep Name Tags” (p. 153), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape• Bend down and make eye contact with children as they arrive.• Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile.• Thank each child for coming to class today.• As children arrive, ask them how they put last week’s lesson into practice. Use

questions such as “What did you tell your friends about how the shepherd took care of his sheep?” and “Who keeps you safe?”

• Say: Today we’re going to learn that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

• Hand out the sheep name tags children made in Lesson 10. Help children attach the name tags to their clothing. If some name tags were damaged or if children weren’t in class that week, have them make sheep name tags using the photocopiable handout.

• Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get StartedSet up one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After

you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity.Circulate between the activities to offer help as needed and direct children’s

conversation toward the point of today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “What are some things we need to stay alive?” or “Who gives us the things we need?”

n Option 1: Shepherds and SheepSUPPLIES: none

Place the garland in a straight line on one side of the room, designating the area as the “sheepfold.” Gather children behind the garland, and help them find partners. Ask them to take turns gently shepherding their partners

to the “pasture” on the opposite side of the room. As children play, talk about all the things sheep need, such as food, water, shelter, and protection. Remind children that just as a shepherd provides for his sheep, Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

n Option 2: God Gives Us FoodSUPPLIES: paper plates, plastic knives, cheese slices, bread, tray, pitcher of water, paper cups, baby wipes, plastic wrap

Help children clean their hands with baby wipes or at a nearby sink. Set out paper plates, plastic knives, cheese slices, and slices of bread. Help children cut the cheese and bread into squares or triangles. Instruct them to set the snacks on a tray. Provide a small pitcher of water, and help children pour the water into the paper cups.

As children work, talk with them about how we need food and water to live. Remind them that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need. When the food and drinks are ready, set them aside until later. Cover the bread and cheese with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

If you don’t do Option 2, you will need to prepare a snack for the “Time to Pray” activity.

It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point again and again will help children remember it and apply it to their lives.


Jesus Provides for Our Needs

n Option 3: Make a SheepSUPPLIES: cardboard or poster board, marker, scissors, newsprint, glue sticks, fiberfill, black construction paper

Before class, draw a simple sheep’s head on a large piece of cardboard or poster board. Draw a large open mouth and cut it out, leaving a hole in the poster board. Children will be tossing balls or beanbags through the hole, so make sure it’s large enough.

Cover a table with newsprint, and place the cardboard sheep’s head on it. Have children use glue sticks and spread glue; then press on fiberfill stuffing to cover the sheep’s face and ears.

As children work, tell them that later on they’ll get to be shepherds and feed this sheep with the big hungry mouth. Explain that shepherds make sure their sheep get enough food. Remind them that Jesus is our good shepherd and that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

When children have finished pressing fiberfill on the cardboard sheep’s head, quickly cut two eyes and a nose out of black construction paper, and glue them on. Set the sheep’s head aside to dry. You’ll use it later during “Do the Bible Story.”

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n Pick-Up TimeSUPPLIES: CD player

Lead children in singing “Come Along With Me” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Come and Go With Me.” Encourage children to sing along as they help clean up the room.

Come along with me and pick up all our things,Pick up all our things,Pick up all our things.Come along with me and pick up all our thingsSo our room will be clean.(Repeat 2x.)

If you don’t choose Option 3, make a simpler sheep before class. Draw a simple sheep shape on the side of a cardboard box. Cover the sheep with fiberfill if you want. Children can toss balls or beanbags into the box.

If you have mostly 3-year-olds in your class, you may want to pour the water yourself. If you do have children help pour the water, be sure to select cups that won’t wobble or tip easily.

track 2


Lesson 12

Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSUPPLIES: stop-and-go sign (from Lesson 1)

Gather the children in the story area. Set the garland nearby. You’ll use it later in this activity.

Tell the children you’ll hold up the stop-and-go sign to get their attention. Explain that when you show the red side, the children are to stop what they’re doing and

listen for your directions. When you show the green side, you’ll stop talking and listen to them. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned.

Ask: • What did you make or do when you came to class today? (Played a sheep game; made a big sheep; cut up cheese.)

Say: Some of you prepared a snack that we’ll eat later, some of you glued wool on a big sheep, and some of you pretended to be shepherds. Shepherds love their sheep and take care of them by giving them all the things they need. If we need something, that means we can’t get along without it. If we want something, that means we’d really like to have it, but we can get along without it.

Ask: • What are some things you need? (Food; a house; my mom.)• What are some things you want? (A puppy; a new bike; an ice-cream cone.)Say: Today we’ll be learning that Jesus loves us and gives us what we

need. I’m going to read a list of things. If I say something you need, stand up. If I say something you want, sit down.

Read the following list. Pause after you read each item to allow time for children to stand up for something they need or sit down for something they want.

• breakfast• an ice-cream cone• a house• sleep• a new toy• a family to take care of you• a trip to Disneyland• loveChildren may not know whether to stand or sit when you say “love.” Say: We all

need love. If nobody loved us, we’d be sad and lonely all the time. Our parents love us and take care of us. Our friends love us and play with us.

Jesus loves us and gives us what we need. Jesus came to love each one of us. Jesus also wants us to love one another. Let’s practice that now.

Hold up the garland. Say: This is the Hugging Necklace. Whoever wears the Hugging Necklace will get hugs from everyone else.

Wrap the garland loosely around your neck Say: I’m wearing the Hugging Necklace. Everybody gets to give me hugs.

Let children hug you, and then ask:• Who else wants a turn to wear the Hugging Necklace and get hugs?



I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’.I’m so glad we’re all here today.I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’—Prayin’ for each other every day.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySUPPLIES: Bible, CD player, crayons

Open the Bible to Psalm 23, and show it to the children. Say: Our Bible story comes from the Bible, God’s special book. Our Bible Big Book shows us pictures of our Bible story.

Bring out the Bible Big Book: The Little Lost Sheep. Have children gather around you. Play “The Good Shepherd” (track 15) from the CD. Follow along with the text printed on the back of the Bible Big Book. Turn the pages when you hear the chime. After you finish the story, show children the picture on page 2.

Ask: • What are some things sheep need? Can you find them on this page? (Grass to eat; water; the shepherd.)

• Where do the sheep get the things they need? (They look around; God gives them what they need: the shepherd gives them food.)

Say: God makes the grass and flowers for the sheep to eat. Let’s pretend these colorful crayons are flowers and make a field of flowers.

Give each child a different colored crayon, and have them spread these around the floor. Say: Let’s pretend we’re sheep looking for yummy food. Have children get on their hands and knees and baa like sheep. Let them crawl around the room and each pick up a crayon. When each child has a crayon, ask the “sheep” to return to being children.

Ask: • What things do you need? (Food; clothes; love.)Say: Let’s talk about the things you need. We’re going to use our colorful

crayon “flowers” to remind us of some of the yummy, delicious foods that God gives us to eat. When I call your name, please hold up your crayon. Then I want you to think of something that same color that you love to eat. Give each child a chance to name a favorite food. Then ask:

• How do you get the things you need? (When I need food, I ask my mom for a snack; we go to the store and buy things; pray and ask for things.)

Say: Jesus loves us and gives us what we need. He gives us families to take care of us, he gives us good food to eat, and he gives us love.

Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful.Thank you for everyone who’s here.Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful—Thankful for our friends both far and

near.

Give everyone a chance to wear the garland. After you loosely wrap the garland around a child’s neck, announce: [Name of child] is wearing the Hugging Necklace. Let’s give [name] hugs! Be sure to hug [name] gently. Then have everyone hug that person. Continue until everyone has had a turn; then put the garland away, and have children sit down.

Ask: • How did you feel when you got all those hugs? (Happy; I didn’t like it; excited.)

Say: We hug people to show we love them. When others give us hugs, we feel loved. We all need love, and Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

n Bible Song and Prayer TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible story. As we sing our Bible song, we’ll pass around our special Bible. The person who’s holding the Bible when the music stops will be our Bible person today. Remember that everyone will get a chance to hold the Bible one week.

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad for the Bible” (track 3) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing, pass around the special Bible.

I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.I’m so glad for God’s book today.I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’—Keep me learnin’ all about his way.

When the music stops, ask the child who’s holding the Bible to bring it to you. Lead the class in clapping for the Bible person, cheering, and making fun applause sound effects by slapping your thighs with your palms. Stamp the child’s hand with the shepherd stamp, and thank the child for bringing you the Bible. Then stamp the other children’s hands. Return the shepherd stamp and ink pad to the Learning Lab.

Say: I’m thankful for [name of child who brought the Bible], and I’m thankful for everyone in our class today. Each of you is a special part of our class! Let’s thank God together for all our friends in this class.

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad We’re Together” (track 4) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” For the second verse, lead children in folding their hands and bowing their heads as you continue to sing.

Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me.Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let’s shine the light for all to see.

Preschoolers have an attention span of about five minutes. Keep this in mind as you’re helping them move from activity to activity.

tracks 3, 4

(Repeat first verse.)


Lesson 12

I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’.I’m so glad we’re all here today.I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’—Prayin’ for each other every day.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySUPPLIES: Bible, CD player, crayons

Open the Bible to Psalm 23, and show it to the children. Say: Our Bible story comes from the Bible, God’s special book. Our Bible Big Book shows us pictures of our Bible story.

Bring out the Bible Big Book: The Little Lost Sheep. Have children gather around you. Play “The Good Shepherd” (track 15) from the CD. Follow along with the text printed on the back of the Bible Big Book. Turn the pages when you hear the chime. After you finish the story, show children the picture on page 2.

Ask: • What are some things sheep need? Can you find them on this page? (Grass to eat; water; the shepherd.)

• Where do the sheep get the things they need? (They look around; God gives them what they need: the shepherd gives them food.)

Say: God makes the grass and flowers for the sheep to eat. Let’s pretend these colorful crayons are flowers and make a field of flowers.

Give each child a different colored crayon, and have them spread these around the floor. Say: Let’s pretend we’re sheep looking for yummy food. Have children get on their hands and knees and baa like sheep. Let them crawl around the room and each pick up a crayon. When each child has a crayon, ask the “sheep” to return to being children.

Ask: • What things do you need? (Food; clothes; love.)Say: Let’s talk about the things you need. We’re going to use our colorful

crayon “flowers” to remind us of some of the yummy, delicious foods that God gives us to eat. When I call your name, please hold up your crayon. Then I want you to think of something that same color that you love to eat. Give each child a chance to name a favorite food. Then ask:

• How do you get the things you need? (When I need food, I ask my mom for a snack; we go to the store and buy things; pray and ask for things.)

Say: Jesus loves us and gives us what we need. He gives us families to take care of us, he gives us good food to eat, and he gives us love.

Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful.Thank you for everyone who’s here.Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful—Thankful for our friends both far and

near.

It’s important that children know what you’re sharing comes from the Bible, God’s Word.

tracks 14, 15

This Bible story is featured in My First Hands-On Bible™. Order several now for your ministry at group.com.



Say: Jesus is our good shepherd, and he’s our friend. He’ll always take care of us. Let’s learn a song to help us remember that. We can sing this song as a prayer to Jesus, letting him know we want to follow him. We’ll listen once, and then we’ll sing it together.

Lead children in singing “I’ll Follow Jesus” (track 14) with the CD to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” Invite children to join in the second time, and encourage them to sing this to their friend Jesus.

Jesus loves me—this I know. I’ll follow Jesus.Where he leads me, I will go. I’ll follow Jesus.I know he’ll take care of me. I’ll follow Jesus.He’s my shepherd; I’m his sheep. I’ll follow him each day.

(Repeat.)Say: It’s wonderful to have Jesus as our friend and to know that

we can follow him and he’ll take care of us.

n Do the Bible StorySUPPLIES: cardboard sheep’s head from Option 3, beanbags or small balls

Say: Good shepherds make sure their sheep have food and water. Let’s play a game now where we get to be the shepherds and feed our hungry sheep.

Bring the cardboard sheep’s head children made during Option 3 to the story area. Prop it up against a chair. Have children line up a few feet away from the sheep’s head. Have them take turns throwing beanbags or small balls into the sheep’s mouth. As children throw the beanbags, have them say, “Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.”

Repeat the activity until everyone has had at least one turn. Say: Our verse from the Bible reminds us that Jesus is our shepherd. Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Let’s say that as we toss our bags into the sheep’s mouth.

Let children continue the game, this time saying Psalm 23:1 each time they toss a ball or beanbag. Then put the beanbags and the sheep’s head away.

Closingn An “I Want” LessonSUPPLIES: none

Bring out Whiskers the Mouse, and go through the following puppet script. When you finish the script, put Whiskers away and out of sight.

You can make simple beanbags by putting a handful of dried beans or rice into a resealable plastic bag. Add extra tape to the bag after it’s sealed so the bag won’t pop open when it’s tossed about.


Lesson 12

Whiskers: Hi, everybody. (Pouting) I’m mad today.

Teacher: Would you like to tell us what you’re mad about?

Whiskers: Well, I went shopping with my mom and dad today.

Teacher: Don’t you like to go shopping?

Whiskers: I love to go shopping! But I’m mad at my mom and dad. They made me buy new church shoes. I wanted to buy a really neat baseball cap instead.

Teacher: Did you tell your mom and dad you wanted the baseball cap?

Whiskers: Yes, but they said my shoes were too small. They said I needed new shoes more than I needed a baseball cap. And they had money for only one thing. It’s not fair.

Teacher: Whiskers, we’re learning something in class that might help you. Would you like to hear about it?

Whiskers: OK. But I still don’t know why my parents won’t let me have what I want. I don’t care about those old shoes! (Help children explain to Whiskers that his parents are helping him get the things he needs.) Hmm, you mean I don’t need a baseball cap, I just want one. But I need new shoes to keep my feet warm and dry. I didn’t think of it like that. I guess my parents weren’t being mean after all. They were taking care of me.

Teacher: That’s right, Whiskers. Our parents take care of us by giving us what we need. That’s because they love us. Jesus loves us and gives us what we need, too.

Whiskers: Will Jesus give me my baseball cap?

Teacher: Is it something you really need?

Whiskers: I guess not. I’m glad Jesus and my parents love me, but I still really want that baseball cap.

Teacher: (To children) Maybe you could help Whiskers think of another way he could get his baseball cap.

(Lead children in giving Whiskers suggestions, such as saving his own money for the baseball cap or asking for the cap for his birthday.)

Whiskers: (Brightens) Hey, thanks! Boy, you’re so smart! I feel better now. I need to go and thank my mom and dad for my new shoes! I’m going to ask for a baseball cap for my birthday. It’s coming up, you know. ’Bye!

Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use.Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com



n Time to PraySUPPLIES: snack prepared in Option 2, bananas, plates, napkins, plastic knives, baby wipes

Say: Our friend Whiskers needed new shoes. Can you think of something that you or someone in your family needs right now? (Food; a house; clothes.)

Let’s pray and ask Jesus to take care of those needs. Pray: Jesus, thank you for caring about all our needs. Please listen as we tell you our needs today. We ask you to take care of them for us.

Encourage children to pray for the needs they mentioned. If children don’t want to pray out loud, include the needs they mentioned in your prayer.

Say: Jesus loves us and gives us what we need. One thing we all need is food. Whiskers told me he was really hungry after his shopping trip. I’m hungry, too. Is anyone else hungry? Let children respond.

Let’s pretend we’re hungry sheep and go over to the table to eat the snack we made earlier.

Help children clean their hands with baby wipes or at a nearby sink. Then let children help you by passing out paper plates, napkins, and cups of water. Set out plastic knives and peeled bananas, and let children cut small banana chunks for themselves. Let each child choose one or two cheese sandwich squares to eat with the banana. Before children eat their snacks, help them thank Jesus for giving them what they need.

Collect name tags for next week’s use, and remind children to take home any crafts they made today.

Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom.Photocopy the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with the children. Encourage parents to use the handout to plan meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.


Lesson 12

n Lively Learning: Sing Your PraiseLead children in singing “God Gives Us…” to the tune of “God Is So Good.” Have them think of the many

things that God provides, and include those items in the song. For example, if someone mentions that God gives us flowers, lead children in singing:

God gives us flowers.God gives us flowers.God gives us flowers.God is good to us.

n Make to Take: Family NeedsBefore class, make each child a copy of the “Family Needs” handout (p. 178). Talk with children about ways

Jesus provides for their families. Have them tell you about their favorite foods to eat and clothes to wear. Give each child a handout, and set out magazines. Have children choose and tear out pictures of things their families need and glue the pictures inside their house shapes.

n Treat to Eat: Sheep in the GrassHelp children clean their hands with baby wipes or at a nearby sink. Give each child a

serving of green Jell-O gelatin or pistachio pudding on a paper plate or bowl. Tell them it’s “grass” for hungry sheep to eat. Help children add mini-marshmallow sheep to their grass. Have them say “baa-a-a-a-a!” and then eat!

As children are eating, remind them that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need.

n Story Picture: A Grassy MealGive each child a copy of the “Today I Learned...” handout. Let children cover the grassy

areas of the picture with glue and then sprinkle crushed green cereal (such as Apple Jacks cereal) onto the glue. Be sure to cover their tables with newspaper or paper towels first.

Remind children that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need, just like he gives grass for sheep to eat.

For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.



Jesus loves us and

Ask me:

Family Needs

Jesus gives us what

we need.

178 Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Preschool, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

“The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1a).

n What do sheep need?

n What do you need?

n How can our family trust Jesus to meet our needs?

n See who can be the first to give each family member a hug each morning. Let the winner choose that night’s dinner menu or family activity.

n Help your child decorate sheets of construction paper to use as placemats. Make one for each family member. During mealtime remind your family that Jesus loves us and gives us what we need, such as our food and the money to buy it.

The Good Shepherd Gives His Sheep What They Need

(Psalm 23)

Jesus loves us and

gives us what we need.

Help me learn this:

Ask me:

Family Fun

Lesson 12Today your child learned that JESUS LOVES US AND GIVES US WHAT WE NEED. The children heard about a shepherd

who took good care of his sheep. They named needs and wants and prayed about their needs.

179Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Preschool, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

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